Spin-on filtering oil removal cartridge

ABSTRACT

A serviceable filtering oil removal cartridge for use in a compressed air assembly of a vehicle air brake system includes a housing having a first end and a second end. A filtering element is disposed within the housing for agglomerating and removing oil from compressed air entering the oil removal cartridge. A load plate is disposed within the housing for supporting the filtering element. The load plate includes a connecting portion dimensioned to allow the oil removal cartridge to be removed and installed as a single unit. The connecting portion is preferably a threaded annulus. A thermal vent can be included, wherein pressure is released from the oil removal cartridge upon reaching a threshold temperature.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/880,493, filed on Jun. 13 , 2001 for SPIN-ONFILTERING OIL REMOVAL CARTRIDGE, the entire disclosures of which arefully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to oil removal devices used incombination with compressed air, heavy vehicle braking systems. Moreparticularly, this invention is directed to a spin-on filtering oilremoval cartridge disposed downstream from an air brake compressor thatis easy to assemble and install, and which is easily serviced.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Art

[0005] Compressed air systems are used in brake systems to provide andmaintain air under pressure to operate vehicle brakes and associatedauxiliary air systems. Conventional systems include an air compressorfor generating pressurized air and a drying device or air dryer disposeddownstream from the compressor for removing entrained liquid from theair. The air dryer includes a desiccant material that removes watervapor from the air as it passes therethrough.

[0006] As will also be appreciated, air brake compressors are typicallysupplied with oil from the vehicle engine in order to lubricate thebearings and other components of the compressor. However, because oil isdifficult to contain, it passes into the pressurized air stream exitingthe compressor. Air exiting the compressor usually passes directly tothe downstream components. As a result, elastomeric seals and seats ofdownstream components, as well as the desiccant material housed withinthe air dryer, often become contaminated with the oil accompanying thepressurized air.

[0007] In order to minimize oil contamination of the downstreamcomponents, attempts have been made to place a filtering element at oradjacent the inlet area of the air dryer. The filtering element or oilfilter would effectively remove oil from the compressed air beforereaching the desiccant material. However, when the compressed airreaches the air dryer, much of the water vapor and oil will havecondensed since the compressor and air dryer are remotely spaced. Thecondensed water vapor and oil mixture forms a viscous emulsion. Thecondensed oil and water emulsion is high in viscosity and presentsdifficulties in draining the mixture. In addition, the filter must beequipped with a drain passage or system to dispose of the filteredmaterial. Moreover, a relatively large draining capacity is requiredsince a considerable amount of the water vapor condenses to liquid waterupon reaching the air dryer. This, unfortunately, adds to the complexityand cost of the compressed air system.

[0008] Furthermore, water resulting from the condensed vapor has thepotential to freeze. In order to prevent both freezing and the watervapor from condensing to form an emulsion, heaters have beenincorporated into filter devices to maintain the water in liquid form.Again, however, the addition of a heating element adds to the complexityand cost of the compressed air system. In commonly assigned, co-pendingapplication entitled “Compressor Discharge Oil Filter”, (Ser. No.09/810,280, filed Mar. 16, 2001 and published under publication no.2002-0131874 on Sep. 19, 2002), a system is disclosed which addressesthe foregoing shortcomings, namely reducing contamination of componentsdownstream from a vehicle air brake compressor without having to use acomplex drainage system or a separate heating element. In thisapplication, a discharge oil filter has been placed proximate to the aircompressor for filtering oil before reaching and contaminating thedownstream components. The strategic placement of the filter allows oilto be effectively removed before emulsions have the opportunity to formand before moisture cools and condenses into a liquid. The citedapplication is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0009] While it is important to maintain the oil filter at an elevatedtemperature, thereby avoiding emulsions, it is also important not toallow the temperature at the oil filter to reach the flash point of theoil therein. Oil, at the pressure of the compressor discharge, willignite around 400° F. If oil ignites within the oil filter it can causemajor damage to the vehicle. Normally, the compressor discharge isaround 350° F., well below the flash point of oil.

[0010] The present invention is directed to an improvement to theabove-cited application and in particular to an improvement to the oilremoval device. Typical oil filters used in combination with aircompressor systems include a cartridge having a housing enclosing afilter element. To change the filter element, a user needs todisassemble the housing which is cumbersome and often requires the useof special tools. The used or defective filter element must be removedand replaced with a new filter element. Oftentimes, a sump needs to beemptied which creates the risk of liquids spilling and damaging thesystem. After the new filter element has been installed, the user mustmake sure the housing is tightened and properly pressurized. These stepsrequire considerable time and cause the removal and installation processto be rather complex. Accordingly, a need exists to provide an oilremoval cartridge that is quick and easy to remove and install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a spin-on filtering oil removalcartridge for an air compressor system used in pneumatic brakeapplications that meets the above needs and others in a simple andeconomical manner.

[0012] More particularly, the invention provides a compressed air systemfor an air brake system having a compressor for generating a stream ofcompressed air. A disposable oil removal cartridge is disposeddownstream from the compressor for filtering oil from the stream ofcompressed air. In one embodiment, the oil removal cartridge has anouter housing enclosing a filtering element and a load plate forsupporting the filtering element. In another embodiment, the load plateincludes a connecting portion dimensioned to allow the oil removalcartridge to be removed and installed as a single unit. In anotherembodiment, the filter element is connected by a threaded annulus.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a thermal vent locatedwithin the oil removal cartridge for controlling the temperature of thecompressed air system. In one embodiment, a plug is disposed within athermal vent housing and upon reaching the melting point of the plugcomposition, the plug ruptures releasing pressure to atmosphere.

[0014] This invention is also directed to a method for installing andremoving an oil removal cartridge from a compressed air system of avehicle air brake system. One embodiment of the method includes the stepof engaging a threaded annulus, defining a passage in the load plate,with a threaded member of a body assembly. When the cartridge needs tobe replaced, the threaded annulus is threadably disengaged from thethreaded member of the body assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a compressed air system for avehicle brake system in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a spin-on filtering oil removalcartridge in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an air dryer shown in partialcross-section.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an oil filter incorporating athermal vent;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a prospective view of a thermal vent for an oil filter;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal vent; and

[0021]FIG. 7 is a prospective view of a cap for a thermal vent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In FIG. 1, a compressed air system 10 for an air brake assemblyis shown in accordance with the present invention. The compressed airsystem includes a compressor 12 having a crank case 14 which housesportions of the compressor. The compressor pressurizes air in aconventional manner, for example, by using a piston (not shown) slidablewithin a bore (not shown) of the crank case. Dynamic components of thecompressor, such as a crank shaft and piston and bore, are lubricatedwith oil delivered from a vehicle engine or other means (not shown). Oilmigrates into the pressurized air stream which exits the compressorthrough a port 16 of the compressor. Due to the relatively highoperating temperature of the compressor, oil exiting the port isgenerally in the form of aerosols.

[0023] With reference also to FIG. 2, an oil removal cartridge 20 isdisposed near the port of the compressor for removing oil from thecompressed air stream. The oil removal cartridge includes an outerhousing 22, preferably made from a metal material, having a first upperclosed end 24 and a second lower open end 26.

[0024] Disposed within the housing is a filtering element 30 configuredto agglomerate oil passing therethrough. The filtering element isannular in shape having a first or inner wall 32 and a second or outerwall 34 which together define a chamber containing a filtering media 36.Inner and outer walls are preferably made from a perforated material,and the filtering media is preferably a fiber material capable offiltering out small particles. In one embodiment, the filter material ismade from a wound fibrous material. In one embodiment the filtermaterial is made from wound micro glass filaments; however otherembodiments incorporate other wound synthetic materials. The filteringelement includes a first or upper axial end 38 and a second or loweraxial end 40. First and second end caps 42, 44 are attached to the firstand second axial ends, respectively, of the filtering element. The endcaps are preferably adhesively secured to the filtering element, but maybe secured in any other suitable manner without departing from thepresent invention.

[0025] The filtering element 30 and end caps are supported within thehousing by a load plate 46 located at the housing lower end 26. Sheetmetal 48 is secured (e.g., welded) along an outer perimeter of the loadplate and is crimped with an edge of the housing lower end 26 to form afirst seal 50. Alternatively, a portion of the load plate can be crimpedwith the edge of the housing lower end to form the first seal. The firstseal minimizes leakage of pressure generated by the compressor and usedto power vehicle pneumatic systems, such as the air brake system. Asecond seal 52 is provided on a lower surface to further minimizepressure leakage. The second seal is preferably made from an elastomericmaterial, that conforms to another surface and effectively establishes aseal therewith. However, other suitable seal materials may be used.

[0026] Openings 54 are provided in the load plate 46 and allow thecompressed air and oil to enter and exit the oil removal device. In apreferred embodiment, eight (8) openings are circumferentially spacedaround the load plate but other numbers of openings are possible. Theload plate further includes a connecting portion 56 for connecting theoil removal device to a head assembly 58. The connecting portion ispreferably an annulus extending from a top surface of the load plate anddefining a passage 60 extending therethrough. The annulus includesthreads 62 disposed on the inner surface of the annulus which arepreferably ¾″ by 20″ threads. However, other suitably sized threads arecontemplated.

[0027] The threaded annulus has a smaller diameter than that of thefiltering element 30. The threaded annulus is dimensioned to allow theoil removal device to be spun onto a hollow threaded stud member 64extending from the head assembly 58. Although a threaded annulus hasbeen disclosed as the preferred connecting portion, it should beappreciated that other suitable connecting members are contemplated bythe present invention. For example, the connecting portion could snap orfrictionally fit to the head assembly.

[0028] A biasing member 68, such as a spring, is disposed at an oppositeend of the filtering element 30 for continuously urging the filteringelement toward the load plate 46. The biasing member 68 is preferably aspring member having an intermediate portion 70 that fits within arecess 72 of the upper end cap 42. Of course, it will be appreciatedthat the filtering element 30 may be secured via other means such as,for example, an interference fit and such alternative securing means arewithin the scope and intent of the present invention as defined by theclaims herein.

[0029] The oil removal cartridge 10 is strategically positioned so thatoil may be effectively filtered without the use of complex drainagesystems or heating elements. More specifically, air brake compressorsand other heat generating elements of a vehicle operate at temperaturessufficiently elevated to maintain water in a vapor state. The oilremoval cartridge of the present invention is located near one of theseheat generating elements, such as the compressor shown in FIG. 1, sothat water in the air stream is maintained in a vapor state. In otherwords in accordance with the present invention, the oil removalcartridge advantageously uses the heat generated by the compressor, orany other suitable heat generating element, to prevent the water vaporfrom condensing.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat generating element is preferably acompressor 12. However, any heat producing element can be alternativelyused such as an engine block. In a preferred embodiment, the oil removalcartridge is located near the compressor so that the temperature of theair stream through the filtering element is high enough to minimizewater condensation. Accordingly, the filtering element is able to mostlyfilter oil, rather than filtering both oil and water or oil/wateremulsions.

[0031] By mostly filtering oil, the need for complex water drainagesystems is eliminated. In addition, the need for a separate heatingelement is also eliminated by advantageously using the heat suppliedfrom the compressor or other heat source. Moreover, maintaining the airstream at an elevated temperature during oil filtration prevents waterfrom freezing and, thus, the attendant problems associated therewith.

[0032] With reference also to FIG. 3, the compressed air systemtypically further includes an air dryer 80, as well as other components(not shown) located downstream from the oil removal cartridge. The airdryer has a housing 82 with an inlet 84 where compressed air enters andan outlet 86 where compressed air exits. A drying agent or desiccantmaterial 88 is enclosed by the housing and operates to remove water andwater vapor from the compressed air in a conventional, well-knownmanner. Optionally, the air dryer includes a filter 90 located near itsinlet for removing any remaining oil or other foreign matter that mightstill be entrained in the compressed air stream. However, due to theremote location of the air dryer from the compressor this filter 90would be ineffective by itself in achieving the objectives of thepresent invention. In an alternative embodiment, the air dryer 80 may bea membrane air dryer.

[0033] In operation, the compressor 12 pressurizes air which exits atport 16. Upon exiting the port 16, the compressed air enters the oilremoval cartridge 10 through openings 54. The compressed air travelsaxially in the housing and radially through the filtering element 30where the filtering media 36 removes oil from the compressed air.Although this is the preferred direction, the opposite flow direction isalso acceptable. When the oil enters the oil filter, it is substantiallysegregated, i.e., in the form of aerosols. These aerosols are filteredby the removal media and agglomerated into larger particles or oildroplets. The agglomerated oil droplets are subsequently drained fromthe system or alternatively the oil droplets are transported to theengine sump (not shown) or recycled back to the air compressor.

[0034] When one of the components of the oil removal cartridge 10 (i.e.the filtering element 30) needs replacement, the cartridge is simplyrotated and spun-off the body assembly. The entire cartridge is thenreplaced and a new cartridge is simply spun-on. This providessignificant advantages over conventional oil removal devices which aremuch more complex and time consuming to remove and install. Moreparticularly, changing conventional filter elements requires a user todisassemble the device which often requires the use of special tools.The used or defective filter element must be removed and properlyreplaced with a new filter element. Oftentimes, a sump needs to beemptied which creates the risk of spilling liquids and damaging thesystem. After the new element has been installed, the user must makesure the housing device is tightened and properly pressurized. Thesesteps require considerable time and cause the removal and installationprocess to be rather complex. In addition, these cartridges aregenerally larger and waste valuable space. The oil removal cartridge ofthe present invention is simple to install/remove and is relativelysmall compared to existing models.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the oil removal cartridge may also include athermal vent 100. The thermal vent 100 is designed such that when thetemperature within the oil removal cartridge reaches a thresholdtemperature, the thermal vent melts and allows compressed air to bereleased to atmosphere, which subsequently lower the system pressure andtemperature. Thermal vent 100 includes a housing 102, a vent port 104,and a plug 106 located in the bottom portion 108 of the thermal venthousing 102. In one embodiment, the plug 106 is divided into an innerplug 106 a and an outer plug 106 b, which are separated by sheath 110.The sheath is preferably made from copper or brass. The thermal venthousing 102 is preferably cylindrically shaped and made from tubing,such as, for example, ¼″ copper tubing, with a sealing ring 112 locatedtowards the vent port 104. The top portion 112 of the housing 102 mayalso include a number of additional release ports 114. The plug 106fills the bottom portion 108 of the thermal vent to provide an airtightseal.

[0036] While the plug 106 can be made from a variety of materials, it isdesirable to provide a plug that melts at within a selectabletemperature range. Since the flashpoint of oil vapor is approximately400° F., the thermal vent should contain a plug 106 with a melting pointunder 400° F., preferably between about 250° F. and about 350° F.;although these temperatures can vary as determined by pressure, the typeof system, and the desired rupture point. Since it is desirable for theplug 106 to completely melt and thereby allow discharge of thecompressed air as soon as the threshold temperature is reached, it isalso preferable to use a plug 106 that is eutectic. As such, the plug106 may be made from a solder, alloy, or any other suitable material. Inone embodiment, the inner plug 106 a is made from a solder comprisingabout 55.5% bismuth and 45.5% lead, while the outer plug 106 b is madefrom a solder comprising about 43% tin, about 43% lead, and about 14%bismuth. Using such compositions, the inner plug 106 a has a rupturetemperature of about 255° F. and the outer plug 106 b has a rupturetemperature of about 290-325° F. Other illustrative example of thecomposition of the stop are about 96.5% tin and about 3.5% silver(melting temperature at approximately 430° F.); about 60% tin and about40% lead (melting temperature at approximately 370° F.); or tin-zinc,tin-silver, tin-silver-copper, tin-silver-nickel, tin-copper,tin-lead-silver, bismuth-tin, or INDALLOY® alloys. It should beappreciated that these compositions are merely illustrative examples andthe scope of the present invention should not be limited by or to suchexamples.

[0037] The plug 106 is about 0.15 inches in thickness and spans thewidth of the thermal vent housing 102 diameter d. The diameter of theinner plug 106 a is approximately 0.062 inches. The plug 106 is heldwithin the thermal vent housing 102 by the solder material; however, oneof ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the plug may bewelded, crimped, friction-fitted, or glued into the thermal venthousing. Once the inner plug 106 a ruptures, compressed air immediatelyexits the compressed air system, thereby lowering the temperature withinthe system. In addition, the melting of the plug and the release of thecompressed air provides a noise that operates as an audible warning tothe vehicle operator. If the temperature continues to increase, theouter plug 106 b will melt, allowing additional pressure to be releasedfrom the system. The audible warning signal increases when the outerplug ruptures. In addition, electrical sensors, such as transducers, maybe placed at the thermal vent port 104 to trigger an electrical warningto the vehicle operator upon the detection of the pressure release. Thesize of the two different plugs are designed such that the rupture ofthe inner port 106 a will not adversely effect the operation of thevehicle braking system, whereas the rupture of the outer port 106 b willinterfere in pumping up the vehicle braking system, thereby allowingonly five or six more complete brake applications. Once the pressure inthe brake system reaches a minimum threshold, the primary brakes willnot be capable of actuation and the spring brakes will be applied toensure that the vehicle does not continue to operated until the problemthat caused the thermal vent rupture is repaired.

[0038] Additionally, cap 120 shown best in FIG. 7 can be applied to thetop of the thermal vent port 104 to collect the solder from the plug 106upon melting. The cap 120 fits on top of the vent port 104 and allowsthe pressure to be released from the underside 122, while the solder orother plug material is collected within the inner portion 124. The cap120 reduces the introduction of the plug material to the environment.

[0039] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of the detailed description. Theinvention is intended to include all such modifications and alterationsinsofar as they come within the scope of the accompanying claims and theequivalents thereof.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment, the invention is nowclaimed to be:
 1. A compressed air system for an air brake assemblycomprising: a compressor for generating pressurized air for use inoperating the air brake system; a serviceable oil removal cartridgedisposed, downstream from the compressor for filtering oil from thepressurized air, the oil removal cartridge having an outer housingenclosing a filtering element and a load plate for supporting thefiltering element, the load plate including a connecting portiondimensioned to allow the oil removal cartridge to be removed andinstalled as a single unit; and an air dryer disposed downstream fromthe oil removal cartridge for removing water from the pressurized air.2. The compressed air system according to claim 1, wherein theconnecting portion is a threaded annulus in the load plate.
 3. Thecompressed air system according to claim 2, wherein the threaded annulusincludes a passage for allowing the pressurized air to enter or exit theoil removal cartridge.
 4. The compressed air system according to claim2, further comprising a body assembly having a hollow member dimensionedto be threadably received by the threaded annulus.
 5. The compressed airsystem according to claim 2, wherein the threaded annulus has a smallerdiameter than a diameter of the filtering element.
 6. The compressed airsystem according to claim 5, wherein the threaded annulus is concentricwith the filtering element.
 7. The compressed air system according toclaim 1, wherein a plurality of openings are provided in the load platefor allowing the pressurized air to enter or exit the oil removalcartridge.
 8. The compressed air system according to claim 1, wherein aportion of the load plate is crimped with a portion of the outer housingto form a first seal.
 9. The compressed air system according to claim 1,further comprising a metal piece operatively associated with the loadplate and crimped with a portion of the outer housing to form a firstseal.
 10. The compressed air system according to claim 9, furthercomprising a second seal operatively connected to a surface of the metalpiece.
 11. The compressed air system according to claim 1, furthercomprising first and second end caps mounted to opposed ends of thefiltering element.
 12. The compressed air system according to claim 1,further comprising a biasing member disposed within an upper portion ofthe housing for applying a continuous force against the filteringelement.
 13. The compressed air system according to claim 1, wherein thefiltering element is annular in shape having a support which defines achamber for containing a filtering media.
 14. A disposable filtering oilremoval cartridge for use in a compressed air system of a vehicle airbrake system comprising: a housing having a first end and a second endand having an air inlet and air outlet; a fibrous filtering elementdisposed within the housing between the air inlet and air outlet foragglomerating and removing oil from the compressed air entering the oilremoval cartridge, wherein said filtering element has an elongatedsurface parallel to the flow of air entering the inlet of the housingalong which the compressed air may pass and a width perpendicular tosaid inlet air flow through which the compressed air passes to reach theair outlet; and a load plate disposed within the housing for supportingthe filtering element within the housing, the load plate including aconnecting portion dimensioned to allow the oil removal cartridge to beremoved and installed as a single unit.
 15. The oil removal cartridgeaccording to claim 14, wherein the connecting portion defines a passagefor allowing the compressed air to exit the oil removal cartridge. 16.The oil removal cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the connectingportion is a threaded annulus in the load plate.
 17. The oil removalcartridge according to claim 16, wherein the threaded annulus has asmaller diameter than a diameter of the filtering element.
 18. The oilremoval cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the threaded annulus isconcentric with the filtering element.
 19. The oil removal cartridgeaccording to claim 14, further comprising a piece of sheet metaloperatively associated with the load plate and crimped with a portion ofthe outer housing to form a first seal.
 20. A method for installing andremoving an oil removal cartridge for a compressed air system of avehicle air brake system comprising the steps of: providing a housing;mounting a filtering element on a load plate disposed within thehousing; providing a threaded annulus in the load plate, the threadedannulus defining a passage; threadably engaging the threaded annulus ofthe load plate with a threaded member of a body assembly; and threadablydisengaging the threaded annulus of the load plate from the threadedmember of the body assembly when the oil removal cartridge needs to bereplaced.
 21. An oil removal cartridge comprising: a housing includingan air inlet and an air outlet and a threaded annulus for securing thecartridge onto another threaded member; and a filtering element disposedwithin the housing between the inlet and outlet, wherein said filteringelement is a fibrous material and includes an elongated surface parallelto the flow of air entering the inlet of the housing along which thecompressed air may pass and a width perpendicular to said inlet air flowthrough which the compressed air passes to reach the air outlet.
 22. Theoil removal cartridge of claim of claim 21 wherein the threaded annulusis in the range of approximately 0.125 inches to 20 inches.
 23. Acompressed air system comprising: (a) a compressor for generatingcompressed air; (b) a removable oil removal cartridge disposeddownstream from the compressor for agglomerating and removing oil vaporentrenched in the compressed air, wherein the oil removal cartridgecomprises: (i) a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet and athreaded annulus for securing the cartridge onto another threadedmember; and (ii) a filtering element disposed within the housing betweenthe inlet and outlet, wherein said filtering element is a fibrousmaterial and includes an elongated surface parallel to the flow of airentering the inlet of the housing along which the compressed air maypass and a width perpendicular to said inlet air flow through which thecompressed air passes to reach the air outlet; and (c) an air dryerdisposed downstream from the oil removal cartridge for removing waterfrom the compressed air.
 24. An oil removal cartridge comprising: ahousing; and a thermal vent, including a plug that releases air pressurefrom within the housing once a threshold at a predetermined temperature.25. The oil removal cartridge of claim 24, wherein said plug iscomprised of a eutectic material or material with close range meltingtemperatures.
 26. The oil removal cartridge of claim 24, wherein saidplug is comprised of an inner plug and an outer plug, wherein said innerand outer plugs have different melting temperatures.
 27. The oil removalcartridge of claim 26, wherein said inner plug has a diameter betweenabout 0.05 and about 0.07 inches and said outer plug has a diameterbetween about 0.19 and about 0.25 inches.
 28. The oil removal cartridgeof claim 26, wherein the inner plug has a melting temperature betweenabout 240° F. and about 260° F. and the outer plug has a meltingtemperature between about 290° F. and about 330° F.
 29. The oil removalcartridge of claim 26, wherein said inner and outer plugs are separatedby a sheath.
 30. The oil removal cartridge of claim 24 furthercomprising an agglomerating filter element disposed within said housing.31. The oil removal cartridge of claim 30, wherein said filter elementsaid filtering element is a fibrous material and includes an elongatedsurface parallel to a flow of compressed air entering an inlet of thehousing along which the compressed air may pass and a widthperpendicular to said inlet air flow through which the compressed airpasses to reach an outlet.
 32. The oil removal cartridge of claim 24,wherein said plug is between about 0.10 and about 0.25 inches thick. 33.The oil removal cartridge of claim 24 further comprising a cap thatcollects material from the vent upon rupture of the plug.
 34. The oilremoval cartridge of claim 24, wherein said plug melts at saidpredetermined temperature.
 35. The oil removal cartridge of claim 24,wherein the oil removal cartridge is a spin-on cartridge.
 36. A thermalvent for an oil removal cartridge comprising: a housing; and a plugassociated with the housing, wherein said plug releases air pressurefrom within the housing once a threshold temperature is reached.
 37. Thethermal vent of claim 36, wherein said plug ruptures thereby releasingair pressure from within said housing.
 38. The thermal vent of claim 36,wherein said plug melts at said threshold temperature.
 39. The thermalvent of claim 36, wherein said plug is comprised of a eutectic materialor material with close range melting temperatures.
 40. The thermal ventof claim 36, wherein said plug is comprised of an inner plug and anouter plug, wherein said inner and outer plugs have different meltingtemperatures.
 41. The thermal vent of claim 40, wherein the inner plughas a melting temperature between about 240° F. and about 260° F. andthe outer plug has a melting temperature between about 290° F. and about330° F.
 42. The thermal vent of claim 40, wherein said inner and outerplugs are separated by a sheath.
 43. The thermal vent of claim 40,wherein said inner plug is a solder made from tin, lead and bismuth, andsaid outer plug is a solder made from tin and lead.
 44. The thermal ventof claim 36 further comprising a cap that collects material from thevent upon rupture of the plug.
 45. The thermal vent of claim 36, whereinsaid thermal vent is associated with a spin-on oil removal cartridge.46. A pressure release plug for an oil filter, wherein said plug meltsat a predetermined temperature thereby releasing pressure from withinthe oil filter.
 47. The pressure release plug of claim 46, wherein saidplug is associated with a spin-on oil removal cartridge.